Johnson lane-widening project causes headaches for some residents

JOHNSON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Construction has been causing slowdowns through a main roadway in Johnson for more than a month now.

The Wilkerson Street lane-widening project is set to continue through winter 2025, but it hasn’t come without some headaches for residents that live along the road.

“It’s been really noisy, and this is just a really quiet community,” Anabella Barnett, a Johnson resident, said. “So, I haven’t loved it.”

Construction crews will be adding one lane — which will allow one northbound lane, a southbound lane and a center turn lane — a 5-foot sidewalk on the east side of the street and a 10-foot sidewalk on the west side, which will eventually provide a connection to the Razorback Greenway.

It’s currently a two-lane road, which results in slowdowns to traffic when cars turn left in either direction.

The apartment complex Barnett lives in has been affected as well. Electricity was being affected. Crews hit a gas line Sept. 16 closing thru traffic except for residents, and signs were posted on the doors Monday that water will be turned off daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Friday.

Pizzeria Ruby, a restaurant in Johnson since 2021, believes the lane-widening project will provide more traffic to the city.

“Being able to have the business that we do, it’s pretty exciting to see the opportunity that’s there for people to come here more and more,” Michael Robertshaw, chef and owner of Pizzeria Ruby, said.

Barnett said she’s ready for the construction to be over sooner rather than later.

“What they’re working on here is probably going to be really beneficial to the community and hopefully help out with traffic,” Barnett said.

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